Columbus

Here are some images from my first assignment, minus one because it is locked away in my un-openable locker in the photolab.
This is the first taste of street photography that I had in Columbus and opened my eyes to the possibilities of photography when you just go out and start looking. I had decided at the outset of this assignment that none of my used photos would be within close proximity of my apartment, and most of them were close to 5 miles away. I found that riding my bike opened up the world and my vision significantly. I feel reasonably happy with the set, though I feel like there is still as much room for me to improve as there are miles for me to explore. I do not feel consistent with my processing, and I fear that is my biggest (and it is rather large) downfall.

Ill be sure to post the last photo when I can get a hold of it.

Jack and Dusty

Film

Ive been enjoying film lately, trying to find new forms and new outlooks. Back in school, photo 401 is a black and white class. First enlarging session will be tomorrow, new facilities will make this interesting. In the mean time here are these.

This Takes Me to Small Waterfalls

To say exploration is a part of art is an understatement. The proverbial "A great journey starts with the first step" holds true; whether it is the journey to your destination or to your death, along the way we all explore. The youthful exhilaration of wandering into the unknown reminds me of childhood times lost in my backyard. I still yearn for the new, for the not yet seen. Exploration is one of the reasons why I love to startrail. The travels to far places under the flow of the moon hints at times when sailors would only be able to gain their bearing from the stars. I like to think that all of my good photos come from when I go the distance, more literally than figuratively. It forces me to take in all this new information and sort it out in a beautiful way to capture. I try and put the magic of discovery into my photos. And I try to put the time it takes to get these places in as well. It took several hours to get to this place below, traveling up and down the same road four or five times was a big chunk of that time. When I noticed a jeep parked alongside the road, and the narrow opening in the foliage across from it, I chanced yet another short jog into the woods to find what I was looking for. It made me realize that it's not just the places with signs, and directions, or predetermined guesses that make a location magical. It's that feeling you get when you know youre somewhere youre suppposed to be. It's transcendental like the earth is speaking to you, "Stop, look at me. You may never be back and I may not look the same," and you oblige. You breathe and touch, your eyes flash from highlights of interest to shadows of curiosity and an aura of happiness moves through you. Discovery truly is magical. My, I didnt even realize I had typed this much already. It was meant to be a short blurb of this trip but it seems my emotions have gotten the better of me. Here are some photos of a recent exploration:

 

 

Norris/Obed

My god what a beautiful place Lake Norris is. The clean air matches so well with the clean water (reportedly 96% pure) and reinvigorates you in a way that only pure things can. Its a release, to be able to go out into the wilderness and after this first month of almost nonstop work and fitness I could appreciate it at it's fullest. The climbing in Obed was no different, pure. The granite and sandstone was slightly damp from recent rains but we more than enjoyed the area with its towering cliffs, powerful rivers and deep long ravines. I'm grateful to the friends and family of friends who housed us for the week, it was more than just a time to remember; it was a landmark in my mind.

Slacking...

It hurts the soul, you know, when you come back to something you love only to realize you didnt finish things you had the purest intention of completing. I Havent even been able to post the images from the rest of my photo class last semester and here I am a month later just getting around to it. So allow me to play a little catch up.

These are from my friend's most recent scarification, dust is abundant, I realize.

Untitled hands

Newest Project

 

Full set:
Flickr

Film

Here are some prints from the Photo 400 film class I am taking this semester. Its good to get back to film, I've missed it dearly ever since the transition out of my highschool darkroom and into college.
  Everything seemed so fast paced, too unwieldy at the time if you will, for film. I kept trying though, a purchase of a Yashica Electro MC was a temporary solution. An awesome little rangefinder that fit easily in my jacket pocket. Yet I didnt use it as much as I thought I would. My digital side overtook me during the first 2 semesters of college and kind of left the dedication and love of film behind.
  Its good to be back, though. I find myself walking the streets more. Looking at compositions more closely, analyzing in a way that I had forgotten. It seems like film unlocked something within me, or rather this new class and teacher. I find myself being able to connect with my surroundings more, taking more chances and enjoying them more than I thought possible. Digital to me means try until you're right, you have an (practically) infinite amount of chances on that electric card. Film comes across as more try it, give it your best, and see if you're right. If you're wrong, you're wrong. No ifs, ands, or buts. And the next time you carry that old contraption around with you, you better hope you learned from your mistakes.
  Of course, this new found joy of photography could be attributed to the coming of spring! Finally after several months in the dark and cold are we getting relief and I plan to enjoy every moment that sun peers out the clouds.